This book is based on Bandura’s theory that those with high self-efficacy expectancies – the belief that one can achieve what one sets out to do – are healthier, more effective, and generally more successful….[there are] provocative applications of this work to issues in education, health, psychopathology, athletics, business, and international affairs.

An Amazon.com reader points out the life-cycle aspects of the theory:

Self-regulation and perceived self-efficacy help people to adjust to realities of each life’s stage, from early childhood till aging and preparation to death.

In general I’m leery of starting lots of new books, no matter how interesting they sound, especially since I already know so much. But this one sounds like it could be well worth the time.

2 Responses to “Self-efficacy: believing in yourself”

Doesn’t this theory sound a lot like the premise of the book, “The Secret?” Basically, it’s the power of positive thinking, and I assume, goal setting. It all seems like commonsense to me; we all know that having a good attitude can help any situation to seem better. Although, I don’t know what hope that leaves for those of us who are eternally pessimistic…